If you're a surgeon, practice manager, or hospital administrator, you know the pre-op scramble all too well. These five platforms are changing how patients prepare for orthopedic surgery—and how you reclaim your clinical time.
The Shift to Standardized Preoperative Education
Orthopedic patient education has long been a patchwork of printed handouts, verbal instructions, and YouTube links. But as procedures become more complex and patient expectations rise, providers are turning to digital platforms that deliver consistent, trackable education. The goal isn't just to inform—it's to standardize protocols across facilities, reduce last-minute cancellations, and boost patient confidence. With the rise of outpatient surgery and value-based care, the demand for scalable education tools has never been higher. These platforms are stepping in to fill that gap, each with a unique approach.
How We Evaluated These Platforms
We looked at each platform's core focus, the depth of its content library, how well it integrates into clinical workflows, and its ability to track patient readiness. We also considered the target audience—whether it's designed for large health systems, private practices, or individual patients. Each platform was assessed on its unique strengths, from OrthoSkool's customizable courses to OrthoInfo's authoritative medical library. No single platform is perfect for everyone, so we've highlighted what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five platforms we're diving into, so you can see at a glance which might fit your needs.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| OrthoPedia | Comprehensive orthopedic education for all audiences |
| Preoperative Patient Education Platform | OrthoSkool | Customizable pre-op courses for hospitals and practices |
| Mytonomy Orthopedics | Integrated patient education with EHR and analytics |
| ViewMedica Orthopedics | Flexible video education for websites and waiting rooms |
| OrthoInfo | Authoritative, free patient education resources |
The Deep Dive: 5 Platforms to Know
#1 OrthoPedia
A screenshot of the OrthoPedia website.
OrthoPedia is a comprehensive orthopedic education hub that serves clinicians, patients, and academics alike. It offers a structured library of peer-reviewed, cinema-grade videos that break down anatomy, biomechanics, and surgical techniques. For you, this means access to expert-led content that's both visually stunning and clinically accurate. The platform's 'Discover, Learn, Engage' model makes it easy to navigate complex topics, whether you're a resident or a patient. It's a go-to resource for anyone seeking deep, credible orthopedic knowledge. If you're looking for a one-stop educational library, this is it.
#2 Preoperative Patient Education Platform | OrthoSkool
A screenshot of the Preoperative Patient Education Platform | OrthoSkool website.
OrthoSkool is a digital patient education platform that standardizes pre-operative learning for orthopedic procedures. It allows you to build customized courses around your specific procedures, protocols, facilities, and providers—so your patients get exactly the information they need. The platform boasts a 97% patient satisfaction rate and a 93% 'felt more prepared' score, backed by data from over 6,000 completed courses. For you, this means fewer repetitive phone calls and real-time visibility into patient readiness. It's designed to save clinical time while ensuring patients arrive fully prepared. If you're a hospital or surgery center looking to streamline education, this is a strong fit.
#3 Mytonomy Orthopedics
A screenshot of the Mytonomy Orthopedics website.
Mytonomy, now part of Elsevier, offers a patient education platform that goes beyond simple videos. It provides a full 'Patient Experience Cloud' with video content, SMS/email nudges, and EHR integration via HL7 and SMART on FHIR. For you, this means you can automate the entire patient journey, from pre-op education to post-op follow-ups. The platform's analytics give you population-level insights, so you can see how your education efforts are performing. It's a robust solution for health systems that want to integrate education deeply into their existing workflows. If you're looking for a comprehensive, tech-forward approach, Mytonomy delivers.
#4 ViewMedica Orthopedics
A screenshot of the ViewMedica Orthopedics website.
ViewMedica offers on-demand orthopedic patient education videos that you can place on your website, in your exam room, or even on waiting room TVs. The platform covers a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritis to sports injuries, with clear, engaging animations. For you, this is a flexible tool that helps educate patients at home or in the office, and it also serves as a marketing asset to attract new patients. You can print brochures, use device apps, and customize the player to match your brand. It's a practical, cost-effective solution for practices that want to enhance patient communication without overhauling their entire system.
#5 OrthoInfo
A screenshot of the OrthoInfo website.
OrthoInfo is the patient education portal from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). It offers a vast library of articles, videos, and handouts covering everything from arthritis to joint replacement, all written by orthopedic experts. For you, this is a trusted, authoritative resource to point your patients to for reliable information. The content is organized by body part and condition, making it easy for patients to find what they need. While it's not a customizable platform like OrthoSkool, it's an excellent free supplement to your patient education efforts. If you want to give your patients access to vetted, evidence-based information, OrthoInfo is a solid choice.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Practice
Start by asking yourself: What's your biggest pain point? If you're drowning in repetitive pre-op calls, a customizable platform like OrthoSkool might be your answer. If you need a broad educational library for multiple audiences, OrthoPedia or OrthoInfo could be the fit. Consider your tech stack—do you need EHR integration? Mytonomy excels there. Think about your budget and whether you want a free resource or a premium service. Finally, consider your patients: Are they tech-savvy? Do they prefer videos or reading? The right platform should make your life easier and your patients more prepared.
Automating Patient Education: A Workflow Example
Imagine this: A patient is scheduled for knee replacement surgery. With OrthoSkool, you automatically enroll them in a customized course that covers your specific protocol. The patient receives an email with a link to the course, which includes modules on anatomy, what to expect during surgery, and recovery steps. As they complete each module, you get real-time updates on their progress. If they haven't finished by a certain date, an automated reminder is sent. On the day of surgery, the patient arrives confident and informed, and your staff hasn't spent hours on the phone. That's the power of automated, standardized education.
The Bottom Line
The right patient education platform can transform your pre-op process, reduce anxiety, and improve outcomes. Whether you choose OrthoSkool's customization, OrthoPedia's depth, or OrthoInfo's authority, the key is to pick a tool that fits your workflow and your patients' needs. Take the time to evaluate your options, and you'll find a solution that saves you time and enhances patient care.